Self-locking rail-chair.



A. G. LIEBMANN. SELF LOCKING RAIL-CHAIR. APPLICATION FILED AUG.'27, 1913.

Patented Jan. 26, 1915.

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NHE srn'rns AUGUST G. LTEBMANN, OF BUTTE, MONTANA, ASSIGNOR TO VIGNOLES RAIL CHAIR COMPANY, OF NEW YORK, N. 1., A. CORPORATION OF DELAWARE.

SELF-LOCKING RAIL-CHAIR.

Application filed August 27, 1913.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, AUGUST G. LIEBMANN, citizen of the United States, residing at Butte, in the county of Silverbow and State of Montana, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Self-Locking Rail- Chairs, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to railway track appliances and particularly to rail chairs.

The main object of the invention is the provision of a rail chair of a particularly simple and relatively cheap construction adapted to be used on easy curves and 011 old-established lines where high speed traflic is handled.

A further object of the invention is to provide a chair which permits a maximum lateral adjustment of the rail without the necessity of removing the primary fastenings of the chair to the tie and which will permit of a moderate vertical adjustment of the rail.

A further object of the invention is to provide a chair which, while it supports the rail securely and braces the flange thereof from tipping thrust, does not grip the outside flange of the rail nor rigidly grip the inside flange thereby tending to prevent fracture of the rail and said flange.

Afurther object is to provide a chair, the arrangement of the parts of which is such as to secure a rail in gage and shimmed positions and at the same time compensate for the various deflections of a rail under the stress of shocks of wheel loads.

A further object is to provide a chair so constructed as to allow of perfect resiliency and holding power in the rail braces.

A further object of the invention is to provide a chair in which the primary movable part and the fastenin thereof are disposed within the range of vision of a track walker, inspector or one of a train or engine crew, thereby eliminating a considerable chance of accident.

A further object of the invention is to so Specification of Letters Patent.

'cordance with the invention.

Patented Jan. 26, 1915.

Serial No. 787,001.

construct the chair as to overcome lost motion and provide a chair in which realinement and adjustment may be easily accomplished.

Other objects will appear in the course of the following description.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a tie and rail with a rail chair constructed in ac- Fig. 2 is a plan view of the rail chair shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an end view thereof, the rail being in section.

Referring to these figures A designates a tie and B a rail. The tie may be of any suitable form but is illustrated as the ordinary wood tie while the rail B is illustrated as of standard cross section.

One element of my improved rail chair consists of a bed plate designated 2 having the transversely extending oppositely disposed abutments 3 and 4. It will be noted from Fig. 2 that the abutments 3 and i do not extend at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the bed plate or, in other words, parallel to the length of the rail, but that the abutments converge with relation to each other and are at a slight angle to the longitudinal axis of the rail. The abutments at their converging ends are spaced from each other a distance greater than the width of the rail base. The abutment 4 extends vertically upward and has a flat inside face. The abutment 3, however, xtends upwardly and inwardly for a portion of its height, as at 5, and then extends vertically upward as at 6. Thus the upper portion of the abutment 3 overhangs the lower poftion thereof. The inner face of the abutment 3 is formed with a plurality of vertical teeth designated 7.

The bed plate is held upon the tie by means of screw spikes 8 of any usual or preferred form. Screw spikes are preferably used with the improved rail chair for the reason that they do not have to be reately beneath the head thereof. The outer end of the web 11 is formed with a foot 12. This foot extends above the web 11 as at 13, and below the web 11 as at 14, the portion 13 being relatively thick while the portion 14 is thinner than the portion 13. The outer face of the foot 12 extends clownwardly in a vertical plane for a distance corresponding to the vertical face 6 of the abutment 3 and then extends downwardly and outwardly corresponding to the downwardly and outwardly extending face 5 of the abutment 3. Inasmuch as the abutment is inclined to the longitudinal axis of the rail, the outer face of the foot 12 is also inclined longitudinally to correspond to the inclination of the abutment. The outer face of the foot 12 is formed with teeth intermeshing with the teeth 6 of the adjacent abutment. It will be seen, therefore, that the brace 9 may be shifted longitudinally with respect to the abutment 3 and that as it is shifted longitudinally in one direction it will be shifted laterally nearer to the middle of the base plate 2 and that when shifted in the opposite direction the head will be disposed farther from the middle of the base plate. It is to be particularly noted that the rail brace 9 engages just beneath the head of the rail and does not engage the base flange of the rail.

The rail brace 10 is adapted to move both longitudinally along the rail and also vertically to permit an elevation of the rail. The rail brace 10 is formed of a web having an outer body portion 15 and two inwardly directed spaced arms 16, the ends of the arms being divergently turned as at 17 to provide heads engaging one beneath the head of the rail, and the other engaging at tl e junction of the web with the base of the rail. The outer face of the body portion 15 of the rail brace 10 is inclined at the same angle as the inner face of the abutment a so as to coact therewith, and this inner face is formed with a plurality of notches 18 engageable by the point of a set screw 19. This screw passes through the abutment 4 and is, of course, provided with a head 20 whereby it may be set.

It will be obvious now that in order to shift the rail laterally in one direction, as for instance toward the left in Fig. 3, the

rail brace 9 will be shifted longitudinally along the abutment 3 toward the converging end of the abutment, while the rail brace 10 will be shifted longitudinally along the abutment 4 in the opposite direction and that when it is desired to shift the rail to the right in Fig. 3, the rail braces 9 and 10 will be respectively shiftcd in the opposite directions to that above described. The rail brace 9 is, of course, held in shifted position by its en agement with the teeth 6 while the rail brace lOis' held in its shifted position by engagement with the set screw 19.

If it is desired to elevate the rail, as by means of shims inserted beneath the base of the rail, the set screw 19 is loosened and a shim inserted beneath the base of the rail which will elevate the rail the distance desired. The brace 9 will not be elevated with the rail but the brace 10 is lifted with the rail and is held in its adjusted position by the set screw 19 engaging with a corresponding notch in the brace 10. It will be noted that no longitudinal movement of the brace 9 can occur because of its engagement with the teeth 6 and that no vertical movement of the brace 9 can occur because the portion 14 of the brace has a face which coacts with the undercut face 5 of the abutment 3. The head 12, however, of the brace 9 is of such depth or thickness as to permit the elevation of the rail.

It is to be particularly pointed out that this form of rail chair supports the rail securely and braces the rail against any lateral thrust. The outside flange of the rail is entirely free so that there is no liability of fracture of this outside flange and the inside brace 10 while securing the flange from any tipping thrust, is so designed as to allow a semi-resiliency in the brace which will eliminate fracture. This semi-resiliency is secured by providing the arms or spaced portions 16, which have a certain relative resilient yielding movement. It will likewise be observed that the movable primary parts of this chair and particularly the set screw, are within plain sight so that any mal-adjustment of the chair or these movable parts thereof, may be readily observed by track walker, 1nspector, or a member of a train or engine crew. This is a. considerable factor in the elimination of hazards as it permits the operator at one glance to determine whether the movable parts and the set screw are in proper position or not.

The improved rail chair permits of ready adjustment of the rail either vertically or laterally, it holds the rail securely and posi tively in adjusted position and it is inexpensive to manufacture. The base plate may be made either of rolled, cast or pressed shapes.

The chair is particularly designed for use on easy curves, on oldestablished lines where high speed traiiic' is handled, and allows for the maximum adjustment laterally and a moderate adjustment vertically, and is particularly effective when used on lines where an eXcess in curvature has been eliminated by reconstruction and where there is first-class drainage. It is particularly adapted for use in all States east of the Mississippi River and in portions of the State of Texas. In this portion of the country where rock ballast and good drainage has been introduced and under climatic conditions wherein the action of frost is re duced to a minimum, this chair is particularly effective. It will be further noted that this chair conforms entirely to the require ments laid down in the final report of the Block Signal and Train Control Board of the Interstate Commerce Commission, wherein it is stated that it is not sufficient that the tie should merely support vertical loads and resist horizontal thrusts and the tendency of the track to move laterally and longitudinally, but that the overturning movement or tipping thrust on the rail should be resisted and further that some means of adjustment must be provided which will permit the rail to be blocked up or shimmed and means be provided for widening gage, which means should not involve lost motion or change of adjustment.

While this particular type of chair is peculiarly designed for a certain section of the country and adapted to be made from cheap structural forms, it is obvious that it may be used under any circumstances where it is fitted to the conditions of traffic. It may be further said with regard to this chair, that because of the fact that it eliminates constant respiking and therefore adds to the length of life of ties, the use of the chair will permit the economical use of treated ties. The cost of treated ties today is excessive from an economical standpoint when considered with relation to the relatively short life of the tie due to respiking and the cutting and crushing action of the rail upon the tie.

Having described the invention, what is claimed is:

1. A rail-chair comprising a base plate having oppositely disposed abutments, railengaging members for adjusting a rail laterally and vertically between said abutments, one of said abutments extending inwardly and upwardly, the corresponding rail-engaging member having a portion thereof extending downwardly and out wardly for engagement with the adjacent abutment to thereby prevent vertical movement of the rail engaging member relative to said abutment, said rail-engaging mem her having interlocked engagement with the abutment for longitudinal adjustment along the rail.

2. A rail chair comprising a base plate having oppositely disposed abutments, and rail braces, one having interlocking adjustable engagement with one of the abutments, said engagement resisting movement either vertically or longitudinally, the other rail brace being adjustably engaged with the other abutment for movement either longitudinally or Vertically.

3. A rail chair comprising a base plate having oppositely converging abutments, and rail braces, one having interlocking engagement with one of the abutments preventing movement vertically with relation to the abutment but permitting the rail brace to be longitudinally shifted and interlocked, the other rail brace having adjustable engagement with the other abutment permitting the rail brace to be shifted both longitudinally and vertically.

4. A rail chair comprising a base plate having oppositely disposed converging abutments, and rail braces, both having inclined outer faces corresponding to the inclination of the abutments, one of said rail braces having a vertically disposed series of teeth coacting with a vertically disposed series of teeth on the inner face of the corresponding abutment, the other of said rail braces being longitudinally adjustable with relation to the corresponding abutment, and means for holding the last mentioned rail brace in its adjusted position.

5. A rail chair comprising a base plate, and oppositely disposed rail braces, one of said braces being adjustable longitudinally but held from vertical movement, the other of said rail braces being adjustable both vertically and longitudinally.

6. A rail chair comprising a base plate having oppositely disposed abutments the inner faces of which are inclined to the line of the rail to be supported on the bed plate and rail braces, one of which is longitudi nally adjustable with relation to the corresponding abutment and the other of which is longitudinally and vertically adjustable with relation thereto.

7. A rail chair comprising a base plate having oppositely disposed converging abutments, one of said abutments being formed upon its inner face with vertical teeth, the other of said abutments being perforated, rail braces, one of which is provided with vertical teeth engageable with the toothed abutment, the other rail brace having notches, and a set screw passing through the second named abutment and engageable with said notches.

8. A-rail chair comprising a base plate having oppositely disposed converging abutments, one of said abutments being upwardly and inwardly inclined and being formed with vertical teeth, the other of said abutments having a vertical inside face and being perforated, rail braces one of which engages the first of said abutments and is provided with a downwardly and outwardly inclined foot formed with vertical teeth upon its outer face, the other rail brace having a series of vertical notches upon its outer end face, and a fastening device passing through the second named abutment and engaging said notches.

9. In a rail chair, a rail brace having upper and lower resilient arms connected at their outer ends, the inner ends of the arms being divergently turned to engage respectively against the head and base of a rail, and means engaging the brace at the junction of the arms for holding said brace in different positions of vertical and longitudinal adjustment.

10. A rail chair comprising a base plate having oppositely disposed converging abutments spaced apart at their converging ends a distance greater than the width of a rail base, one of said abutments being upwardly and inwardly inclined and being formed with teeth upon its inner face, and the other of said abutments being vertically disposed and being perforated, a rail brace coacting with the first named abutment and comprising a web, a head and a foot, the foot being longitudinally and vertically inclined to conform to the inner face of the corresponding abutment and being vertically toothed, the head of this brace being less in height than the height of the rail Web, a rail brace coacting with the second named abutment and comprising a body portion having spaced resilient arms, said arms being horizontally disposed and engaging respectively beneath the head and upon the base flange of a rail, and a set screw passing through the perforation in the abutment and engaging the body portion of the brace.

11. A rail chair having oppositely disposed longitudinally converging abutments, one of said abutments extending upwardly and inwardly and then vertically upward, the inner face of said abutment being vertically toothed, the opposite abutment extending vertically upward and having a smooth inner face, a rail brace coacting with the first named abutment and comprising a head having less height than a rail web, a web extending from the head and provided with a foot or basal portion the outer face of which has a longitudinal inclination corresponding to that of the abu ment, said outer face being vertically toothed and extending vertically downwardly from its upper edge and then downward and outwardly, a rail brace coacting with the second named abutment and comprising a body portion having a longitudinally inclined outer face and inwardly directed spaced resilient arms: engaging respectively beneath the head and above the base flange of a rail, the outer face of the body portion of the brace being formed with a vertical series of notches, and a set screw passing through the second named other brace serving to support the other side of the rail in compression.

13. A rail chair including a base plate having oppositely disposed converging abutments, and rail braces adapted to cooperate with the abutments and a rail for lateral adjustment of said rail between the abutments, one of said braces having interlocking engagement with one abutment and the other brace having cooperative engagement with the other abutment.

1-1. A rail chair including a base plate having an abutment, and an adjustable rail brace cooperating with the abutment and a rail in laterally and vertically shifted positions and serving as a tension member to secure the flange of the rail under stress in different positions of adjustment.

15. A rail chair including a base plate having an upstanding abutment, and an adjustable rail brace having interlocking engagement with the abutment and adapted to bear against the rail for holding said rail in different positions of lateral and vertical adjustment, said brace serving as a compression member to support the rail under stress in different positions of adjustment.

16. A rail chair including a rail base having an upstanding abutment and a vertically adjustable rail brace co-acting therewith including spaced resilient arms connected by an integral rigid basal portion, said arms being horizontally disposed and adapted to engage, respectively, beneath the head and upon the base flange of a rail.

17. A rail chair comprising a base plate having an upstanding abutment, said abutment extending at an angle to the short axis of the base plate, and a rail brace co-acting therewith and having spaced resilient arms connected by a basal portion, said arms being horizontally disposed and adapted to engage, respectively, beneath the head and upon the base flange of a rail, the outer face of said basal portion having an inclination corresponding to the inclined inner face of the abutment.

18. In a rail chair, a base plate having an upstanding abutment disposed at an adjusted position With relation to the abutangle to the short axis of the base plate, a ment and rail. 10 rail clamping member comprising a basal In testimony whereof I afiiX my signature portion beveled to correspond to the inclinain presence of two Witnesses.

tion of the abutment and engaging there- AUGUST G. LIEBMANN. [Ls] With, a resilient member extending there- Witnesses:

from for engagement With a rail, and means J. D. YOAKLEY,

for holding the rail clamping member in FREDERIO B. lVRIGHT.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of latents,

Washington, D. G. 

